And whatever you do, whether in word or deed,
do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians 3:17
We talk about words a lot around here. We talk about story and we talk about encouragement. We talk about the way words can build up our friends and family, and we talk about the way words can lead others to The Word, Jesus Christ.
Words matter.
But just because we talk a lot about how words matter doesn’t necessarily mean you need to use a lot of words to matter.
Whether you’ve written a dozen books or one sweet note to a friend, your words matter.
Whether you speak to thousands in arenas or the few in your home, your words matter.
Whether you tell stories or write poetry, your words matter.
Whether you make people laugh or cry or think, your words matter.
No matter what kind of words you use – or how many, your words matter.
So use them well, friends. Use them in the name of Jesus. And remember that they matter.
Your words make a difference. Your words matter.
Links We’re Loving
Speaking of words that matter, several of our contributors are participating in The Nester’s 31-Day Challenge this month. We’re loving their series, and we know you will, too!
- 31 Days of the Inspirations in My Artsy World – Jennifer Ueckert
- 31 Days of Open Letters – Alia Joy
- 31 Days of Mom Prayers – Anna Rendell
- 31 Days of Hints & Tips for College-Bound Students – Robin Dance
- 31 Books Every Young Woman Needs – Annie Downs
- 31 Days of Daily Grace – Dawn Camp
- 31 Days of Making Lemonade – Mary Carver
- 31 Days of Encouraging Conversations – Crystal Stine
- 31 Days of Choosing Enough – Aliza Latta
- Vignette Me: A 31-Day Series – The Nester
- 31 Artists Who Influence – Emily Freeman
How can you make your words matter today?
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Leave a Comment
Bev Duncan @ Walking Well With God says
(in)courage ladies,
So many options, so little time. All of these 31 day challenges sound inviting and intriguing. I’ll just have to get a pumpkin spice latte and settle in!! Just wanted to pop in this morning and say “thank you” for the life giving words you offer up here every day. You are such an encouragement to me and to all the readers who visit here. I know that God would say, “Well done my good and faithful servants.” May you all be blessed!
Always,
Bev
Jas says
Well said Bev, so very true (in)courage ladies thank you from NZ xx
Brindusa says
Thank you for the reminder and the encouragement!
Marty says
“…just because we talk a lot about how words matter doesn’t necessarily mean you need to use a lot of words to matter.”
SPOT.ON.
Thank you for this encouragement today! 🙂
Trudy Den Hoed says
God knew I needed this encouragement today that whether my words are many or few, they matter. I don’t have to write a book to make them matter. I don’t have to write every day at my blog to make them matter. Even if they are few in comparison with others, they matter. Thank you! I have been feeling intimidated, overwhelmed, and defeated as I see so many posts come in my email because some are joining this 31-day challenge (many who normally posted once a week). While I admire everyone who can do this, I feel too overwhelmed to even think of trying it. I compare myself and feel like I’m not enough. I’m overwhelmed also, because I can’t read them all and feel guilty or afraid I’ll miss something good if I don’t read them. So thank you for this post! This post has brought this verse to mind – “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to You, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14) That’s what I should be concentrating on, whether my words are more or less.
Jeanne Takenaka says
Trudy, I’ve been working through this too. The 31-day challenge would be so fun to do, but not this month. I figure we know what our priorities need to be and we can be content in that, yes? 🙂 I’ll share the thought that I’ve reminded myself of when the “I’m not enough” lie comes in: “With Jesus I am enough for what He has for me to be and do.” May God make the words we do write matter to those who read them.
Joanne Peterson says
Hi Trudy,
I have learned throughout the years to do only what Jesus is leading me to do. More than that most likely is with the wrong motives. I also am learning that I only compare myself with myself where I have been say three months ago.
Peter, when Jesus asked him if he loved Him and then encouraged Peter to feed His lambs and sheep also went on to explain, prophesy Peter would be led where he didn’t want to go. Peter asked about another disciple, and Jesus gently told him in no uncertain terms not to concern himself with the other disciple, and just worry about what Jesus gave Peter to do.
I’m not trying to boss, but Trudy, I went through so much stress, tension, and burnout with what other people are doing, and did way too much when my first round of kids were growing up. I can’t get those years back. God is really only concerned if I love Him and I do what He tells me to do. He Knows Your, and he knows He will still stretch you in the way that is beneficial for you, not burning you out with what other people are doing.
Trudy Den Hoed says
No, you don’t sound bossy. It’s so true, but insecurity does taunt me sometimes, and I fall into the comparison trap. I try to remind myself of these things, but sometimes it only reaches my head, not my heart. I am growing little by little, but sometimes it feels like one step forward, two steps back. I am so grateful for God’s endless patience. Thank you for these reminders, Joanne!
Trudy Den Hoed says
Thank you for your kind thoughts/reminders, Jeanne.
Jeanne Takenaka says
I too appreciated this post. It’s convicting and encouraging at the same time. With two boys 17 months apart in the house, plenty of words are spoken between them that tear down. And sometimes, my mama words don’t help. I appreciate the reminder that words matter. Whether they’re written or spoken, they impact others. May the words that slip from my mouth and from my fingertips be words of life for others.
Today, I am going to be extra careful with the words that are directed toward my family, making sure they are words of grace rather than sarcasm or impatience. Thanks for the exhortation!
Kimberly says
Speaking life, because words matter, is my 31 days topic:) Good to know it resonates with others too!